Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jonathan Hefney (23) gets the crowd going during fourth quarter CFL action on in Winnipeg on Thursday, July 28, 2011. (CFL PHOTO - MARIANNE HELM)
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce that defensive back Jonathan Hefney has returned to the organization, signing a one-day contract and announcing his retirement from professional football.
Hefney originally joined the Blue Bombers prior to the 2009 season, appearing in 60 games over four seasons with Winnipeg and starting in 56 games. During his tenure with Winnipeg, he accumulated 241 defensive tackles, 13 special teams tackles, 13 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), six fumble recoveries and two sacks. Hefney was a prominent piece of the club’s dominant defence in 2011, culminating in a berth to the 2011 Grey Cup.
“Jonathan Hefney played football with an extreme amount of passion and enthusiasm,” said General Manager Kyle Walters. “He was one of those players who was willing to do whatever it was going to take to win a football game and was an emotional leader not only in the locker room, but on the field. He loved the game and those types of players are the ones who make it great. We thank him for his contributions both on and off the field to our organization.”
Hefney went on to play in Calgary, and then Montreal in 2015, finishing his career with 84 games played (71 starts), 311 defensive tackles, 24 special teams tackles, 17 interceptions, and seven fumble recoveries. He was a three-time Division All-Star, and was twice named a CFL All-Star while in Winnipeg (2009, 2011).
“I’m very thankful to retire with the organization that first gave me my start in the CFL,” Hefney said. “Some of the greatest years for me happened with my teammates in Winnipeg, and those amazing fans. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way, both in Winnipeg and everywhere else my football career took me. The Bomber organization will always be a big piece of me, and I’ll always be a Bomber.”
